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Getting started

Requirements

  • A Linux machine, NAS, or Raspberry Pi on the same network as your speakers (or one that can reach them — see Troubleshooting).
  • Python 3.12+ and ffmpeg (converts browser recordings to MP3).
  • A browser with a microphone. Browsers only allow the mic on HTTPS or localhost.

Install

pipx install "roomcall[all]"

uv tool install "roomcall[all]"

pipx install "roomcall[sonos,cast]"   # extras: sonos, airplay, cast

Install ffmpeg from your package manager (sudo dnf install ffmpeg, sudo apt install ffmpeg).

1. Check discovery

$ roomcall discover
Basement           sonos    192.168.1.21    One
Office             sonos    192.168.1.22    Era 100
Living Room        airplay  192.168.1.23    HomePod mini
Kitchen Hub        cast     192.168.1.24    Google Nest Hub
Bedroom TV         cast     192.168.1.25    Chromecast with Google TV

If a device speaks several protocols (a Sonos also advertises AirPlay), RoomCall keeps the best one.

2. Start the server

roomcall serve

RoomCall prints the URL the speakers will download messages from. It must be reachable from the speakers — set public_url in the config if auto-detection picks the wrong interface.

3. Open it on your phone

Browsers block the microphone on plain http:// LAN addresses. Pick one:

  • Reverse proxy (recommended): add RoomCall to Caddy/Nginx/Traefik with a local certificate and open https://roomcall.home.arpa.
  • Home Assistant: use the HTTP API from automations instead of the browser mic.
  • Testing: open http://localhost:8765 on the machine running RoomCall.

Add it to your home screen for an app-like, full-screen push-to-talk button.

4. Group speakers into rooms

Copy roomcall.example.yaml to roomcall.yaml and list room members — see Configuration.